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Limestone Campground sits in an area dotted with oak and gray pine along the Upper Kern River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, at an elevation of 3,500 feet. Recreation Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Upper Kern River are popular activities. To learn more about the Upper Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters, visit the Sequoia National Forest’s overview of the area. Facilities The campground, located 16 miles north of Kernville, has 19 paved sites. Picnic areas, vault toilets are provided. This facility is operated by Sequoia Recreation, a division of California Land Management and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts or directly at California Land Management. Natural Features The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes. The forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. At various points along the river, gray pines, scrub oaks, grass and dry climate shrubs cling to steep canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows line the water's edge. Nearby Attractions The campground provides a good base for day trips to the Sequoia National Park Trail of 100 Giants. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise. ADA Access: N
Off of Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to the town of Kernville. From Kernville go north on Sierra Way/Mountain 99 for 16 miles to the campground.
You have to know going into here that you have basic amenities. There’s no running drinking water, so you must bring lots of water bottles. It’s not the closest to the store either. There’s 2 basic restrooms for the entire campground: one on each side. Plan on walking a bit to get to the restrooms. Also, there are no showers. River baths anyone? Finally, we were at the beginning of the campground, and the watering hole was all the way up a small hill to the other side of the campsites, then down the hill to the watering hole. You also have to go in between campsites to get there, which can be a little awkward, but if you’re friendly, you may just meet some cool neighbors. If you go in knowing this and planning accordingly, you’ll have a great time. We had a shaded campsite with lots of trees, were able to put up a hammock and a slack line (with tree protectors). The campsite is near some hidden gems (driving distance), and we went to the sequoias (trail of 100 giants), found the rock water slide (caution, slippery when wet, rip iPhone to the pond below), and just enjoying some off-road driving while taking random turn offs. Bonus points: the campsite is dog friendly, which is a must for us and our puppy! Definitely want to come back now that I know what to expect!
As of 07/01/2023, the river is still too powerful to allow full access to swim across. There is a beach that is roped off from the river that is safe to swim in for kids. Beautiful, well kept, and clean campground
Stayed with friends at spots 18 and 19 in early October. We had sites closest to the main road which turned out to still be pretty quiet. We could hear the Kern River down below, and an easy minute or so walk down proved worth it. There was a bit of foot traffic by fisherman down the path behind these campsites, otherwise they were very private and were roomy with plenty of privacy. Bathrooms were close and fairly well-maintained, and a short walk away was the "Croc Rock" which was a fun surprise. Highly recommended!
Site 18, great shade all day long and so close to the water but due to rushing water I’d refrain from going for a swim. Unfortunately there were many flys due to the trash and the smell of the restrooms that haven’t been cleaned in a long time. I would recommend a decent amount fly traps and a pop up net for the table. Site 1, is very small and is right between the 4-5 big trash bins and the toilets. Id personally wouldn’t pay the 32 dollars for our site considering the conditions. As for the restrooms, non flushable toilets that were poorly kept during our stay. No sinks to wash your hands or running water as well as no bear boxes.
I had such an amazing first time camping with my husband. I enjoyed the peace of nature and hearing the raging of the ice cold river flow while you relaxed and slept . I definitely would come back once the river is more calm to take a swim in it.
